Elaine writes with such warmth about all of her characters, and it’s extremely easy to lose a few hours while you’re immersed in one of her stories. The book is well-researched, and although it is fiction, I enjoy reading about the way life would have been during the war.
Regardless of what number this is in the series, I loved it and at some point, I’ll investigate what I’m missing and what’s going on with the other books.
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and review The Foyles Bookshop Girls’ Promise by Elaine Roberts.
About the Book
London, 1918: war rages on, but the girls of London’s Foyles bookshop always have a place to feel safe.
Rosie Burrows loves being part of the Foyles team, and outwardly, she’s a happy young woman, engaged to the love of her life. But inside, Rosie faces a horrible dilemma. When Alfie enlisted, she promised to wait for him to return from France. And she has waited, quietly preparing for him to come home so they can marry. But for years her letters to him have gone unanswered, and now she doesn’t know where she stands.
To keep occupied, Rosie starts volunteering at the local school. She loves reading to the children, and takes solace in her growing friendship with the kind and gentle class teacher. But Rosie knows she can’t allow herself to develop feelings for Sam – she gave her word.
But why hasn’t Alfie answered her letters? Has he changed his mind about her? And how long should she wait for a man who may never come back?
About Elaine
Elaine's dream was always to write for a living. She completed her first novel when she was in her twenties and received the first of many very nice rejections. Life then got in the way, until circumstances made her re-evaluate her life and pick up her dream again in 2010.
Elaine joined a creative writing class, The Write Place, in 2012. Shortly afterwards, her first short story was published and she was thrilled when many more followed. Elaine finally started to believe in herself.
As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and The Society of Women Writers & Journalists, Elaine attends many conferences, workshops, seminars and wonderful parties. Meeting other writers gives her encouragement, finding that most face similar problems.
Elaine has a patient husband, Dave, and five children who have flown the nest. Home is in Dartford, Kent and is always busy with children, grandchildren, grand dogs and cats visiting. Without her wonderful family, Elaine says that she knows the dream would never have been realised.
